My Books

 

Conceptions of Parenthood: Ethics and the Family (Ashgate, 2007)

 

 

Reviews


'Mike Austin's impressive and important new book, Conceptions of Parenthood, helps bring to center stage a fundamental set of concerns that contemporary moral philosophers have too often treated as merely peripheral, if they have treated them at all: those issues concerning the rights and responsibilities of parenthood. Written with a rare combination of philosophical acumen and common sense wisdom, Austin's book provides an admirably clear layout of the theoretical landscape and argues rigorously and powerfully for a variety of potentially challenging conclusions. The book immediately becomes required reading for anyone working in the area and deserves to be read by anyone who wants to see what good work in applied ethics looks like and what it can accomplish.'
David Boonin, University of Colorado, USA

'Austin's thorough and lively examination of the ethical and conceptual issues surrounding parenthood starts with a refreshingly clear and unprejudiced look at the complications posed by new reproductive technologies. Austin proposes an account of parenthood that depends on moral relationships rather than biological ones, and goes on to discuss the rights and responsibilities of parents. His view is commonsensical but not conservative, and is meticulously presented and defended.'
Elinor Mason, University of Edinburgh, UK

'I know of no other book that addresses the foundations of the family in such a comprehensive and engaging way. Conceptions of Parenthood is remarkable for its crystaline clarity, philosophical subtlety, and plain good sense.'
Claudia Mills, University of Colorado at Boulder, USA

 

 

Running and Philosophy: A Marathon for the Mind (Blackwell, 2007)

 

 

Reviews

 

"With equal measures of scholarship and soul, the essays in Running and Philosophy: A Marathon for the Mind, edited by Michael W. Austin, touch on religion, pain, happiness, and other topics that are best explored on a long run. With a pack of philosophers."

--Runner's World, November 2007

 

"Every runner who has ever pondered the pleasure of pain, wondered about the duality of mind and body, or felt the artistic beauty of a perfect set of 800m repeats will enjoy this book."
--Jonathan Beverly, Running Times

 

"Is running more a disease or a source of human liberation? Would Aristotle and Nietzsche both endorse running? Does running on a treadmill dehumanize us? For answers to these and other intriguing questions, you will need to read Running and Philosophy. It leads one on a rich, varied, and enjoyable journey."
--R. Scott Kretchmar, Penn State University

 

Football and Philosophy: Going Deep (University Press of Kentucky, 2008)

 

 

 

                        Reviews

 

"Austin and his fellow contributors give new meaning to the phrase"going deep." Fans will enjoy this lively and thought-provoking collection."

--Gregory Bassham, coeditor of Basketball and Philosophy: Thinking Outside the Paint

 

"This is a brilliant collection of essays, engaging in philosophical reflection on issues and arguments that arise in American football. The essays are insightful and informative, as well as provocative and entertaining. A deeply satisfying read."

--Charles Taliaferro, author of Consciousness and the Mind of God